Run to Home Base Registration Is Now Open

The annual Run to Home Base fundraiser starts and ends at Fenway Park. Photo provided by the Home Base Program

Have you ever wanted to cross home plate at Fenway Park? Stupid question, right? Of course you do.

The Sixth Annual Run to Home Base presented by New Balance is July 25 at Fenway Park. The run began in 2010, and so far, participants have raised about $11 million to support the Home Base Program’s efforts to help veterans and their families deal with the invisible wounds of war—post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The event is a 9K run or walk (5.6 miles) or a 2 mile run, depending on your abilities.

The program was created after the Red Sox’s World Series win in 2007. When the team went to visit the White House to meet with then President Bush, they had a 45-minute time slot scheduled to go to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and spend time with injured veterans. But after talking to soldiers and hearing their stories, the team ended up staying there for four hours, rather than the scheduled 45-minutes. It was then that the Red Sox ownership and executives decided they wanted to help veterans in a new way.

“It is vital that we continue to support the brave service members that protect our freedom and provide the best care possible for them and their families when they return home facing the invisible wounds of war,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner in a statement. “Thanks to the generosity of New Balance and area runners, we will continue to honor these courageous men and women for their service for our country and provide top-notch clinical care through the annual Run to Home Base.”

The fundraising minimum for adults is $250 (for the 2 mile run) and it goes up from there. You must be at least 14 years old to enter, although younger children are welcome (with a minimum fundraising fee of $125) if accompanied by a full fundraising adult. There is special pricing for military members.

The Run to Home Base is offering various fundraising incentives:

The first 50 participants to raise $5,000 by March 21 will receive two tickets to Red Sox opening day, two tickets to the Post Run reception, custom Red Sox jersey and two (2) grandstand seats or pavilion seats for July 25th game.

Participants who “Refer a Friend” will receive rewards for recruiting friend and family to join the Run.

Participants celebrating their fifth year participating in the Run will receive special recognition and a medal at the event.

To register, visit RunToHomeBase.org. Just don’t do this:

via memeguy